Nearly Half of Americans are Trying to Move Away from Plastic Food Packaging According to Asia Pulp & Paper Survey

December 13, 2018

Americans are increasingly transitioning away from single-use plastics in favor of sustainable paper food packaging, according to new data released by Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) from the 2018 Paper & Packaging Consumer Trends Report. The report found that nearly two thirds (64 percent) of Americans say they prefer paper food packaging over plastic or Styrofoam. Furthermore, more than half (51 percent) agree that paper food packaging is as high quality as the latter materials.

“Americans’ preference for paper continues to grow at a time when improving environmental health is top of mind for consumers,” said Ian Lifshitz, vice president of sustainability and stakeholder relations, APP. “Consumers are receptive to brands that are favoring recyclable, compostable or reusable paper materials in place of single-use plastics which can be harmful to natural ecosystems.”

Additional findings from the survey include:

More than half (56 percent) of consumers are concerned about the effect of single-use plastics on the environment

Nearly half (48 percent) say they try to reduce their use of plastic items such as straws, cups and bags

The study was fielded using Engine’s twice-weekly Online CARAVAN® Omnibus Survey. Respondents were members of an online panel and had agreed to participate in online surveys and polls. As such, no estimates of sampling error can be calculated. Completed interviews are weighted by five variables – age, sex, geographic region, race and education – using data from the U.S. Census Bureau to help ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U.S. population, 18 years of age and older. The online survey was fielded between August 16-19, 2018, polling 1,003 U.S. adults ages 18 and older.

About Asia Pulp & Paper

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is a trade name for a group of pulp and paper manufacturing companies in Indonesia and China. APP is responsible for delivering quality products to meet the growing global demand for tissue, packaging and paper, with an annual combined pulp, paper, packaging product and converting capacity of over 19 million tons per annum. On any given day, APP’s products find their way into the hands of consumers in various branded forms from all over the world.

Ensuring supply chain integrity and commitment to the Sustainable Roadmap Vision 2020 are crucial to APP’s operations. Learn more about APP’s path to operational excellence by reading our Sustainability Reports and Forest Conservation Policy at www.asiapulppaper.com.